How to Use Google to Create Forms and Surveys

Google Forms is a New, Free Option for Collecting Information

Google has a number of fantastic, free services. In addition to the popular Google search engine, widely used Google services are Gmail and Blogger. Many people have also taken advantage of Google calendar, docs, and spreadsheets. Each of those Google options allows you to share spreadsheets, calendars, and documents with other users.

Recently I discovered a great new Google tool-- forms -- which can very nicely be used as surveys or to collect any type of information such as reports, personal data, and so on from various people.

You may send the form or survey to anyone you want; it is not necessary for the recipient to have a Google account. The recipient can respond to the survey questions right inside his email, or people may respond to the survey by clicking on a link in the email and responding online.

Once the person completes the Google form and clicks "submit," the responses immediately end up on the creator's Google spreadsheet. Google forms make it easy to collect and organize information from numerous people.

Here's how to create forms and surveys with Google:

1. If you don't already have one, create a Google account. This is free, and you can even use your existing email address such as a Yahoo or business email address. To create a Google account, go to docs.google.com and click on the "Get Started" tab. Follow the instructions there, and in no time, you'll have a free Google account.

2. Once you've created your Google account, sign in at docs.google.com.

3. After signing in to your Google account, click on "new" (located at the upper left) and from the menu, select spreadsheet.

4. Next, click on "share" and then chose a title for your form. Click ok.

5. Over to the left you'll see the words, "invite people," with the following three options: (1) as collaborators, (2) as viewers, and (3) to fill out a form. Select the third option, "to fill out a form."

6. Click on "start editing your form." A window will pop up with the form or survey title, a place to type in a form or survey description (or instructions), and a template for your first question.